Visual Communication and Design

Unit 1-4

Entry

There are no prerequisites for entry to Units 1, 2 and 3. Students must undertake Unit 3 prior to undertaking Unit 4. Units 1 to 4 are designed to a standard equivalent to the final two years of secondary education.

The Course

Visual Communication Design explores the role of aesthetics in communicating ideas, solving problems, and influencing behaviours. Students investigate how designers develop solutions and communicate concepts. They work both independently and collaboratively to identify and address design challenges, making improvements to systems, spaces, and products. Throughout the course, students follow a design process that uses divergent, convergent, and reflective thinking to develop creative solutions. Drawings, models, and prototypes are used to visually communicate their ideas.

Units 1 and 2 focus on finding, reframing and resolving design problems in four key design fields:

·         Graphic Design (messages)

·         Industrial Design (objects)

·         Architecture (environments)

·         Interactive Design (apps and websites)

Units 3 and 4 build on these experiences. Students research a chosen topic or problem and write a design brief outlining criteria for two distinct design needs. They are encouraged to select projects that align with their passions and interests. Previous projects have included logos for businesses, product packaging, perfume bottles, character designs for games and films, phone apps, and website designs.

The design process emulates real-world studio practices, encouraging students to generate a wide range of ideas, experiment with materials, and develop mock-ups and prototypes. The course culminates in a final design presentation that demonstrates their creative thinking and problem-solving skills.

STUDENT TESTIMONIAL:

What is interesting about this subject?

Something I enjoy about VCD is how creative you can be with your designs. It's a great time to experiment and go with crazy concepts! VCD also provides an excellent opportunity to experiment with physical materials when designing.

Why should I do this subject?

It’s a great creative outlet! I highly recommend this subject if you're doing any heavy theory-based classes, as it can be valuable as a creative interlude to do something different and more hands-on. VCD presents a comforting structure with the design process, which is fantastic for those who enjoy a more structured layout. However, it also provides framework for flexibility in exploring new skills and designing techniques.

In terms of subject pathways, one of the main reasons I chose to do Visual Communication Design is because I’m really interested in theatre and costume set/design, which falls into the areas of Industrial/Communication and Environmental design. This subject has helped me to strengthen my design skills whilst also providing valuable building blocks for my interest in that area, even if I  am not directly designing a costume or set.”

Charley Dewey